Book Synopsis
The quest that took the crew of the Jerle Shannara to Castledown is coming to an end and it seems that few will survive, especially now that the powerful warlock Morgawr has come to destroy them.
Book Review Summary
An interesting (and somewhat different) storyline for the Shannara series comes to a conclusion. It’s been a trying time for the party led by the Druid Walker who took them across the Blue Divide to Castledown and few of the those who made it will survive. The arrival of the formidable Morgawr means their survival looks bleak and it spells the end for Grianne Ohmsford if she can not break out the mental abyss that the Sword of Shannara has sent her into. One again Brooks connects the story well and brings each character to a worthy conclusion given their storylines. While the conclusion is enjoyable to read the overall series feels like it’s a little drawn out and could have been covered faster, especially given the futile time the party have in their expedition to Parkasia. The overall story does bring together a number of strands in the overall series together, with an ending that sets up a new course for the Shannara story to follow.
Please click this link for a full book review of Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) and click here for more book reviews.
Saturday 14 December 2013
Tuesday 3 December 2013
Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) – Book Review
Book Synopsis
With the Druid Walker disappeared and the crew of the Jerle Shannara killed at Castledown or imprisoned by the Isle Witch, the survivors must uncover how to escape their enemies and survive the lethal creation known as Antrax.
Book Review Summary
There’s nothing in this book that is ground-breaking that we haven’t seen in the Shannara series or hasn’t already been alluded to in it’s predecessor in the series, the Isle Witch. What there is though is still captivating, as we learn far more about Castledown and what brought specific people along on the quest. Some parts of the story do take a while to get back to covering, such as Walker’s, and some parts of the story don’t progress that far, like Bek’s. However, Terry Brooks is well capable of weaving a tale together and this book certainly feels like it has its part to play in the Voyage of Jerle Shannara trilogy. Readers of the Isle Witch, or who have follower Walker Boh in the Scions of Shannara series, will certainly want to see where his adventure leads him to this time around as he battles Antrax allied by talismans of past victories, including the Sword of Shannara and the Elfstones.
Please click this link for a full book review of Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) and click here for more book reviews.
With the Druid Walker disappeared and the crew of the Jerle Shannara killed at Castledown or imprisoned by the Isle Witch, the survivors must uncover how to escape their enemies and survive the lethal creation known as Antrax.
Book Review Summary
There’s nothing in this book that is ground-breaking that we haven’t seen in the Shannara series or hasn’t already been alluded to in it’s predecessor in the series, the Isle Witch. What there is though is still captivating, as we learn far more about Castledown and what brought specific people along on the quest. Some parts of the story do take a while to get back to covering, such as Walker’s, and some parts of the story don’t progress that far, like Bek’s. However, Terry Brooks is well capable of weaving a tale together and this book certainly feels like it has its part to play in the Voyage of Jerle Shannara trilogy. Readers of the Isle Witch, or who have follower Walker Boh in the Scions of Shannara series, will certainly want to see where his adventure leads him to this time around as he battles Antrax allied by talismans of past victories, including the Sword of Shannara and the Elfstones.
Please click this link for a full book review of Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) and click here for more book reviews.
Sunday 3 November 2013
Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) – Book Review
Book Synopsis
When a dying Elf not seen for thirty years is washed upon the shore of the Four Lands bearing a map, the Druid Walker discovers a magic exists far away that he must recover first else it will fall into the wrong hands.
Book Review Summary
I tried to read this book years ago but after the Heritage of Shannara series I didn’t think the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series could exceed it. Now having read this book my fears are confirmed. This book is (hopefully) setting up an intriguing story, which still has its roots in the times of Shea, Will, Brin and Jair Ohmsford. There is a good concept behind the book, though not as bad an enemy as the Shadowen, and an array of new characters to get your head around. Undoubtedly, they’ll grow in the following books, as Terry Brooks is great at doing this. It just doesn’t feel like this has been the most exciting book, with so much time spent talking about and preparing for the voyage it’s more of a preparation for something good to come, and that therefore requires perseverance from the reader. While revelations are too easily revealed in this book to build suspense, hopefully Brooks has kept more to come in the rest of the series.
Please click this link for a full book review of Isle Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) and click here for more book reviews.
Monday 21 October 2013
Ender’s Game
Book Synopsis
Earth has survived two attacks by an alien army. Now, with a third invasion due, the human race must find the best commanders who can defeat a bigger, stronger enemy.
Book Review Summary
Ender’s Game is a sci-fi book that you just won’t be able to put down. Ender is the reluctant hero, a young boy who just wants to escape the bullies all around him, at home and at school. This is what propels him into the International Fleet’s grip in the first place and firmly keeps him there. This book highlights the struggle children (even brilliant children) have when confronted with those who are envious and want to bully them into submission, or even adults who want to mould a child into doing what it is they want. The story is excellent and captivating, with the suspense of how Ender and his fellow Battle School students will be able to defeat the extreme challenges laid down before them. The future of the human race is in the hands of its youngest but brightest.
Please click this link for a full book review of Ender's Game and click here for more book reviews.
Earth has survived two attacks by an alien army. Now, with a third invasion due, the human race must find the best commanders who can defeat a bigger, stronger enemy.
Book Review Summary
Ender’s Game is a sci-fi book that you just won’t be able to put down. Ender is the reluctant hero, a young boy who just wants to escape the bullies all around him, at home and at school. This is what propels him into the International Fleet’s grip in the first place and firmly keeps him there. This book highlights the struggle children (even brilliant children) have when confronted with those who are envious and want to bully them into submission, or even adults who want to mould a child into doing what it is they want. The story is excellent and captivating, with the suspense of how Ender and his fellow Battle School students will be able to defeat the extreme challenges laid down before them. The future of the human race is in the hands of its youngest but brightest.
Please click this link for a full book review of Ender's Game and click here for more book reviews.
Friday 11 October 2013
The Talismans of Shannara
Book Synopsis
With the Elves returned to the Four Lands, the recovery of the Sword of Shannara and the re-emergence of the Druids, can those charged by Allanon to save the Four Lands resist the evil of the Shadowen and discover the way to end their threat.
Book Review Summary
Writing an interweaving, four-part book series is a tall ask, and the Talismans of Shannara is a brilliant finale to what has been a hugely interesting fantasy series. The story that Terry Brooks has put together has remained faithful to the original Shannara series, building upon the Sword of Shannara, the Elfstones, the wishsong magic and the legend of the Druid Allanon – and building a wonderful story on top. The threat posed by Rimmer Dall and the Shadowen have been a worthy adversary of those who fight for good, being the greatest threat faced by the Four Lands so far. The discovery behind the Shadowen’s power and Par’s wild wishsong magic, with a battle raging that will annihilate the Elves, makes this an exciting and rewarding conclusion to the series.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
With the Elves returned to the Four Lands, the recovery of the Sword of Shannara and the re-emergence of the Druids, can those charged by Allanon to save the Four Lands resist the evil of the Shadowen and discover the way to end their threat.
Book Review Summary
Writing an interweaving, four-part book series is a tall ask, and the Talismans of Shannara is a brilliant finale to what has been a hugely interesting fantasy series. The story that Terry Brooks has put together has remained faithful to the original Shannara series, building upon the Sword of Shannara, the Elfstones, the wishsong magic and the legend of the Druid Allanon – and building a wonderful story on top. The threat posed by Rimmer Dall and the Shadowen have been a worthy adversary of those who fight for good, being the greatest threat faced by the Four Lands so far. The discovery behind the Shadowen’s power and Par’s wild wishsong magic, with a battle raging that will annihilate the Elves, makes this an exciting and rewarding conclusion to the series.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Thursday 26 September 2013
The Elf Queen of Shannara
Book Synopsis
In order to defeat the Shadowen, Wren Ohmsford must discover where the Elves have disappeared to and return them to the Four Lands.
Book Review Summary
The story of the Elves, the history of their magic and the development of Wren make this an interesting book that forms a cornerstone in the overall Heritage of Shannara story. It has its faults, making this one of the more difficult books to get into in comparison to Terry Brooks’ other Shannara books. However, if you’ve come this far in reading the Heritage of Shannara series you’ll certainly want to read this to discover what the Elves have to tell us about the predicament of the Four Lands, and to join the dots between the days of Brin and Jair Ohmsford and today’s threat to the races. What Wren discovers is a shocking secret that she must tell Par and Walker Boh if together they are are going to be able to defeat the Shadowen’s attempt to destroy the Four Lands.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Elf Queen of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
In order to defeat the Shadowen, Wren Ohmsford must discover where the Elves have disappeared to and return them to the Four Lands.
Book Review Summary
The story of the Elves, the history of their magic and the development of Wren make this an interesting book that forms a cornerstone in the overall Heritage of Shannara story. It has its faults, making this one of the more difficult books to get into in comparison to Terry Brooks’ other Shannara books. However, if you’ve come this far in reading the Heritage of Shannara series you’ll certainly want to read this to discover what the Elves have to tell us about the predicament of the Four Lands, and to join the dots between the days of Brin and Jair Ohmsford and today’s threat to the races. What Wren discovers is a shocking secret that she must tell Par and Walker Boh if together they are are going to be able to defeat the Shadowen’s attempt to destroy the Four Lands.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Elf Queen of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Wednesday 11 September 2013
The Druid of Shannara
Book Synopsis
In order to defeat the Shadowen that threatens the Four Lands, Walker Boh must confront his fears about his magic and recover the lost Black Elfstone.
Book Review Summary
Brooks has developed a good storyline and some very interesting characters for this book. It does feel a little odd that the protagonist for this story, is usurped by Quickening. Without her acting as a catalyst, gathering the party together and revealing the information about Uhl Belk and Eldwist, it would be difficult to see how this book would have progressed. Thankfully the overall story does work and makes this an interesting addition to the Shannara series. It would have benefitted from understanding more about Uhl Belk, especially given his status as the only other creature of faerie times alongside the King of the Silver River. This book would also have been better if the story of Wren Ohmsford was better interspersed throughout, as the repetitive thought-telling of Walker, Morgan and Pe Ell, coupled with the endless wandering around Eldwist does make this book drag. Otherwise this book could easily have been 100 pages less. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable book and if you’re been a fan of the Shannara series so far will want to read this.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Druid of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
In order to defeat the Shadowen that threatens the Four Lands, Walker Boh must confront his fears about his magic and recover the lost Black Elfstone.
Book Review Summary
Brooks has developed a good storyline and some very interesting characters for this book. It does feel a little odd that the protagonist for this story, is usurped by Quickening. Without her acting as a catalyst, gathering the party together and revealing the information about Uhl Belk and Eldwist, it would be difficult to see how this book would have progressed. Thankfully the overall story does work and makes this an interesting addition to the Shannara series. It would have benefitted from understanding more about Uhl Belk, especially given his status as the only other creature of faerie times alongside the King of the Silver River. This book would also have been better if the story of Wren Ohmsford was better interspersed throughout, as the repetitive thought-telling of Walker, Morgan and Pe Ell, coupled with the endless wandering around Eldwist does make this book drag. Otherwise this book could easily have been 100 pages less. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable book and if you’re been a fan of the Shannara series so far will want to read this.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Druid of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Tuesday 3 September 2013
The Scions of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Book Synopsis
Three hundred years have passed in the Four Lands and the heirs of the Ohmsford are called to talk to the shade of the dead Druid Allanon, who reveals that they need to take up his charge if they are to save the land from an evil called the Shadowen.
Book Review Summary
If you’ve enjoyed reading the previous Shannara books then you’ll almost certainly want to read this one, as it sets up the beginning of a new series of books very well. With the multiple characters to follow the story does feel richer and there is less time spent focusing on lesser related parts of the stories, which the Wishsong of Shannara did do. By tapping into the powers that have already been used (the Sword and Elfstones of Shannara, the wishsong) and the introduction of new ones (the Black Elfstone) we get a good blend of parts of the story we’re familiar with and new things to discover. The characters are also interesting in their own right, possibly because they have less airtime in the book and we have to focus on their attitudes and conflicts a lot more. Also, the loss of Allanon as a main character still feels like a hole throughout this book, although with Cogline filling part of the gap and the growing of the new leading characters, it does set the story up to be a very interesting one.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Scions of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Three hundred years have passed in the Four Lands and the heirs of the Ohmsford are called to talk to the shade of the dead Druid Allanon, who reveals that they need to take up his charge if they are to save the land from an evil called the Shadowen.
Book Review Summary
If you’ve enjoyed reading the previous Shannara books then you’ll almost certainly want to read this one, as it sets up the beginning of a new series of books very well. With the multiple characters to follow the story does feel richer and there is less time spent focusing on lesser related parts of the stories, which the Wishsong of Shannara did do. By tapping into the powers that have already been used (the Sword and Elfstones of Shannara, the wishsong) and the introduction of new ones (the Black Elfstone) we get a good blend of parts of the story we’re familiar with and new things to discover. The characters are also interesting in their own right, possibly because they have less airtime in the book and we have to focus on their attitudes and conflicts a lot more. Also, the loss of Allanon as a main character still feels like a hole throughout this book, although with Cogline filling part of the gap and the growing of the new leading characters, it does set the story up to be a very interesting one.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Scions of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Friday 23 August 2013
First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Synopsis
When Brona, the Druid who turned evil, returns to the Four Lands he begins a destructive Second War of the Races that threatens to destroy the peaceful races, starting with the Druids who stand in his way.
Summary
If you’ve read any of the original Shannara books then this is one you certainly won’t want to miss out on. The story of Bremen, the forging of the sword and the rise of Jerle Shannara are wonderfully crafted. We even have the discovery or Allanon, the boy who becomes a Druid himself (although it felt a little bolted on by the end of the book). Having Brooks develop his writing style for many years before this books meant that he could have easily slacked off and delivered something that filled in the gap but didn’t wow us. In fact, true to his craft, he has delivered a wonderful story that many in the fantasy genre will enjoy reading. Like the need to have the Star Wars prequels, this one goes a long way to explaining how the Warlock Lord almost comes to destroy the Four Lands and is a must read for the Shannara fan.
Please click this link for a full book review of First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
When Brona, the Druid who turned evil, returns to the Four Lands he begins a destructive Second War of the Races that threatens to destroy the peaceful races, starting with the Druids who stand in his way.
Summary
If you’ve read any of the original Shannara books then this is one you certainly won’t want to miss out on. The story of Bremen, the forging of the sword and the rise of Jerle Shannara are wonderfully crafted. We even have the discovery or Allanon, the boy who becomes a Druid himself (although it felt a little bolted on by the end of the book). Having Brooks develop his writing style for many years before this books meant that he could have easily slacked off and delivered something that filled in the gap but didn’t wow us. In fact, true to his craft, he has delivered a wonderful story that many in the fantasy genre will enjoy reading. Like the need to have the Star Wars prequels, this one goes a long way to explaining how the Warlock Lord almost comes to destroy the Four Lands and is a must read for the Shannara fan.
Please click this link for a full book review of First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Sunday 11 August 2013
The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Synopsis
The Druid Allanon returns to the Four Lands and once more to the Ohmsford family. Brin Ohmsford has an Elvish magic called the wishsong that Allanon needs to destroy the evil that created the Warlock Lord and presents a new threat to the races of Elf, Dwarf and Man.
Summary
The Wishsong of Shannara carries on the story of the Four Lands, the Druid Allanon and the Ohmsford family. The story turns full cycle, focusing on the book known as the Ildatch that created the Warlock Lord. This makes the book very interesting and insightful as it delves deeper into the darkness behind magic. With the advent of the wishsong magic as well the pressure is off the Elfstones to save the day and that is a welcome expansion of the magic available within the Four Lands. There are some fantastic new characters in this book, such as the Weapons Master Garet Jax, but also some lesser developed ones, including Edain the son of Ander, King of the Elves. This is a welcome addition for continuing the Shannara series and despite its faults the last 20% of the book makes you not want to put it down.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
The Druid Allanon returns to the Four Lands and once more to the Ohmsford family. Brin Ohmsford has an Elvish magic called the wishsong that Allanon needs to destroy the evil that created the Warlock Lord and presents a new threat to the races of Elf, Dwarf and Man.
Summary
The Wishsong of Shannara carries on the story of the Four Lands, the Druid Allanon and the Ohmsford family. The story turns full cycle, focusing on the book known as the Ildatch that created the Warlock Lord. This makes the book very interesting and insightful as it delves deeper into the darkness behind magic. With the advent of the wishsong magic as well the pressure is off the Elfstones to save the day and that is a welcome expansion of the magic available within the Four Lands. There are some fantastic new characters in this book, such as the Weapons Master Garet Jax, but also some lesser developed ones, including Edain the son of Ander, King of the Elves. This is a welcome addition for continuing the Shannara series and despite its faults the last 20% of the book makes you not want to put it down.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Synopsis
The Ellcrys is dying and with it the shield that has looked away the Demon race for many thousands of years is falling apart. Only Allanon and Wil, the grandson of Shea Ohmsford, can save the Four Lands from the destruction that the powerful and angry Demons will wreak upon it.
Summary
This book blends beautifully so many elements of good storytelling. The death of the Ellcrys means that the Elves and other races of the Four Lands have to act to save their lives. We meet the enigmatic Allanon and discover the depth of his magic against an insurmountable enemy. We reassociate with the Ohmsford family and see how the mysterious Elfstones connect Shea and Wil. We have characters who need to step out of the shadows and accept their destiny, including the out-of-favour prince, son of Eventine Elessedil, and Amberle, the king’s grand-daughter who is the last of the Chosen and the last hope to renew the Ellcrys. There is betrayal, fear, bravery and an against all odds battle to stay alive. It’s no wonder that this book has been looked at by many Hollywood producers with the intention of turning it into a film. It would certainly make a great big screen adventure.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
The Ellcrys is dying and with it the shield that has looked away the Demon race for many thousands of years is falling apart. Only Allanon and Wil, the grandson of Shea Ohmsford, can save the Four Lands from the destruction that the powerful and angry Demons will wreak upon it.
Summary
This book blends beautifully so many elements of good storytelling. The death of the Ellcrys means that the Elves and other races of the Four Lands have to act to save their lives. We meet the enigmatic Allanon and discover the depth of his magic against an insurmountable enemy. We reassociate with the Ohmsford family and see how the mysterious Elfstones connect Shea and Wil. We have characters who need to step out of the shadows and accept their destiny, including the out-of-favour prince, son of Eventine Elessedil, and Amberle, the king’s grand-daughter who is the last of the Chosen and the last hope to renew the Ellcrys. There is betrayal, fear, bravery and an against all odds battle to stay alive. It’s no wonder that this book has been looked at by many Hollywood producers with the intention of turning it into a film. It would certainly make a great big screen adventure.
Please click this link for a full book review of The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
Tuesday 2 July 2013
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Synopsis
The Warlock Lord is about to return to the Four Lands and wreak destruction across the human, Elf and Dwarf races. A Druid who hopes to save them all must find the one heir to an Elvish King who can wield the only weapon in the land that will defeat this evil.
Summary
Terry Brooks has gone on to write a number of follow-on books to this one, as well as some very successful prequels. It’s not hard to see why, he has a great ability to tell a story, which is what made this book a success. Even now it still maintains a charm about it that probably feeds upon the revival of the fantasy genre thanks to the Lord of the Rings movies and Harry Potter. Having developed his craft further, I have no doubt that if Terry sat down to write this book again he could tighten it up significantly, removing the excess baggage and improving the pace and novelty of it all much more. As it stands though it’s still a very good read.
Please click this link for a full book review of the The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
The Warlock Lord is about to return to the Four Lands and wreak destruction across the human, Elf and Dwarf races. A Druid who hopes to save them all must find the one heir to an Elvish King who can wield the only weapon in the land that will defeat this evil.
Summary
Terry Brooks has gone on to write a number of follow-on books to this one, as well as some very successful prequels. It’s not hard to see why, he has a great ability to tell a story, which is what made this book a success. Even now it still maintains a charm about it that probably feeds upon the revival of the fantasy genre thanks to the Lord of the Rings movies and Harry Potter. Having developed his craft further, I have no doubt that if Terry sat down to write this book again he could tighten it up significantly, removing the excess baggage and improving the pace and novelty of it all much more. As it stands though it’s still a very good read.
Please click this link for a full book review of the The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks and this link for more book reviews.
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